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Mar062019

5 Ways To Determine If Your Antiques Are Valuable

Do you ever wonder if the painting you bought at that garage sale was worth more than its $20 price tag? Have you ever wondered about the value of those family antiques? Satisfy your curiosity and figure out if your antiques are valuable. Here’s how to start.

Condition Is Key. The better condition your antique is in, the more it will be worth. But don’t attempt to improve or fix your antique if you do see some damage. You might ruin it or compromise the original integrity, depreciating its value. Leave the restoration to the professionals. Remember that moisture and temperature fluctuations can damage antiques, so maintain their condition by storing them somewhere safe, like a temperature controlled storage unit.

How Rare Is It? Another way to determine if your antique is valuable is to consider the rarity of the object. Is it one of a kind? Are there countless others listed on eBay? The rarity of an antique is one of the most important factors in how much it will be worth.

Do Your Research. In order to get a better grasp on how much your antique could be worth, it pays to do your homework (literally). Find out the history behind the object you are trying to appraise by checking out an online database or hitting the library. You can also reach out to an expert and compare what similar items sold for.

Look for Signatures. Find out more about your antique by thoroughly checking for any marks or signatures, especially on dishware, paintings and furniture. Marks or signatures can give you more information as to who made it and where it’s from. If you can’t figure it out on your own or it’s illegible, a professional appraiser will know how to research the mark.

Find a Trusted Appraiser. Once you have compiled enough evidence that you have something valuable on your hands, consider calling an appraiser to give you a more precise estimate before selling it. To find a certified appraiser, visit an antique store or ask a bank manager or estate attorney to refer you to a good one. If you’re unable to find one in-person, try a reputable site, like The Appraisers Association of America. Just remember, while you might have an idea of how much your antique is worth, it all comes down to how much a buyer will pay for it.

Keep your antiques in top shape—and in line for potentially top dollar: Contact the storage professionals at Secure Self Storage to find a temperature-controlled place for all your antiques and valuables.